Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, 2022  

Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months In French (25% new) and American (11% new) oak hogsheads. Fruit sourced from Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley

Producer Tasting Note:

Dark plum, opaque colour.

On the nose, a blend of raw (unroasted) coffee beans, pencil shavings and graphite, establish a nose that speaks to varietal character. A wild herb garden unfolds, bringing marjoram, thyme flowers, rocket, sage and rosemary to the forefront while notes of crème de cassis liqueur reinforce varietal credentials. A waft of violets lends a delicate touch to the nose. Richness ensues with the aroma of Portuguese tart custard cream — its sweet spice complexity further embellished by cinnamon, vanilla and pimento. Overall, sweet notes dominate but are beautifully anchored by earthier elements.

The palate core is undeniably sweet/rich, yet sophisticated. The wine opens expansively — firm in structure yet big and glossy on approach. Tannins are remarkably balanced; they assert their presence without detracting from the lush blackcurrant fruit at its heart. Freshness is maintained through lively acidity, contributing greatly to the wine's depth and length. Well-integrated oak underpins these flavours without overwhelming them — focused and enhancing rather than competing with the fruit profile. A hint of Sarsaparilla adds an unexpected twist that lingers into the finish.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

Launched with the 1990 vintage in 1993 in response to the increasing availability of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. A sort of baby 707. 25% Coonawarra, 24% Padthaway, 19% Wrattonbully, 18% McLaren Vale, 6% Barossa Valley, 8% other regions. Aged 12 months in French oak (25% new) and American oak (11% new) hogsheads

"Quite aromatic. Quite fragrant and like fermented blackcurrant pastilles. Round and flattering. Much richer than most Cabs. No angularity. Round and long with masses on the mid palate. Less luscious than the 707 and approachable earlier, although it has no shortage of tannin." Drink 2025-2040

17.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, July 2024

"The 2022 Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon hails from a range of regions in South Australia (Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley) and matured in both French and American oak. This wine appears to have become more elegant over the years, and right now, the fruit is evident within the folds of sweet oak. The wine is detailed, fresh and herbal yet populated with lashings of sweet fruit. There is a nice see-saw of experience here. There is balance in a loud mix. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." Drink 2024-2042

94/100 points, Erin Larkin, WINE ADVOCATE, July 2024